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Relentless Ferguson Proves Ready for McGregor

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While Conor McGregor undoubtedly can take most of the credit for propelling mixed martial arts into mainstream recognition, he's perhaps also at fault for what is a logjam across a few divisions. Chasing a historic feat almost a year ago to become a dual-weight world champion was stellar in its own right, although it has created chaos elsewhere. As the spotlight hovers looking for another star while the Irishman enjoys his astronomical paycheck from the Mayweather bout, one man in particular has refused to be silenced.

That man moved one gigantic step closer to getting a crack at The Notorious one when he submitted Kevin Lee in the third round to secure the interim lightweight strap. As far as he is concerned and many of the spectators, the word "interim" can be scratched - he's proved himself to be the champion. "El Cucuy" is now in double digits for his win streak, and its becoming increasingly tougher for the lightweight star to be ignored.

Image: Jake Roth / USA TODAY Sports

He's thrown of all challengers barring Khabib Nurmagomedov - a dream matchup that has been made but has fallen apart on a multitude of occasions. The Russian will of course get his chance, but dependant on the activity of Conor, the fight to make next is a unification bout. A Diaz trilogy has been the plan for many, however that was shot down by Dana White.

The uniqueness of McGregor's situation is that he holds pretty much all the cards no matter how the UFC may want to dress that up. So, while the rightful matchup is now McGregor vs. Ferguson, it is still a pipe dream at this point. It will be a rollercoaster ride if it goes down.

The consensus is that Tony Ferguson gets hit far too frequently to hang in there on the feet with McGregor. Accuracy and precision is no longer a soundbite for Conor, he has prove it with some of the best striking skills to ever grace the Octagon, and after 10 rounds with one of the best boxers of all time he can only get better. But the toughness, conditioning and ground game of Ferguson is what really makes this a spectacle to behold. It's a fight that needs to happen based on the justification of the work done by Ferguson to get to this position.

Image: MMA Mania

Credibility is a resource wearing thin in terms of the Octagon operations as of late, with a "money fight" culture preceding the true fights, or the more deserving matchups. But after all, it is a business, and sometimes the desire to watch big stars go at it as oppose to deserving challengers prevails. As far as Ferguson is concerned, he certainly won't have the same drawing power as a Nate Diaz fight would, but its a lightweight unification against a fighter with plenty of momentum. Diaz can wait, Ferguson deserves his shot.

To build a legacy as a champion you must take on all comers. Conor McGregor has the ultimate contender waiting for him. It may just be the fight of his life and then some.